Karnataka HC sets 6-month timeline to implement measures like safety equipment for minors on two-wheelers

A PIL plea filed in the Karnataka High Court sought a direction to ensure the implementation of Rule 138(7) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, which mandates safety harnesses to be used for children riding pillion on two-wheelers.

Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, Justice CM Poonacha, Karnataka High Court, safety equipment for minors on two-wheelers, minors on two-wheelers, safety harness for children, pillion rider safety, Indian express news, current affairs

In 2023, a division bench of then chief justice N V Anjaria noted that "till date, helmets and safety harness are not available in proportion to the child population" and that the "matter requires a deeper consideration".

The Karnataka High Court gave the state six months to implement measures such as safety harnesses and helmets for minors riding pillion on two-wheelers in an order passed on Wednesday by a bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Poonacha while disposing of a PIL petition.

The petition, filed by one Dr Archana Bhat and heard by the court since 2023, primarily sought a direction to ensure the implementation of Rule 138(7) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, and consequently ensure that the state took appropriate steps to provide child safety equipment including helmets beginning from the age of nine months.

The rule mandates that children between the age of nine months and four years have to be attached to the driver with a safety harness, seating the child safely on the seat of the two-wheeler while being secured to the upper torso of the driver. The rule also mandates that the harness has to be lightweight, waterproof and durable, able to hold up to 30 kg while being made of heavy or multi-filament nylon.

In 2023, a division bench of then chief justice N V Anjaria noted that “till date, helmets and safety harness are not available in proportion to the child population” and that the “matter requires a deeper consideration”.

With regard to the equipment, the state had submitted before the court that it was still in the stage of being researched and tested by manufacturers and that the process could take up to six months to complete. Accordingly, the court passed the order, while also directing the state to create awareness about the rule.